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Their cows were killed by lightning: "A nightmare"

Their cows were killed by lightning: "A nightmare"

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Eleven cattle, including cows, calves, and a bull, were killed by a lightning strike in Våler, Norway.
  • The animals were seeking shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm when the lightning hit.
  • The livestock owner's partner described the event as a "nightmare" and anticipates significant economic consequences.

A devastating lightning strike has killed eleven cattle on a farm in Våler, Norway, leaving the owners in shock. The horrific discovery was made on Friday when five calves, four cows, an ox, and a heifer were found dead beneath a large tree.

It was a nightmare.

— Else Karin JakobsenDescribing the discovery of the eleven dead cattle.

Else Karin Jakobsen, the partner of the livestock owner, described the scene as "a nightmare." The animals had sought refuge under the tree during a severe thunderstorm on Thursday when the lightning struck, tragically killing the entire group. This incident represents approximately one-third of the couple's livestock.

Jakobsen stated that they had never experienced anything like it before and that it will take a long time and have significant economic repercussions to rebuild their herd. Despite the tragedy, she acknowledged the power of nature, saying, "But it is nature's way. We could not have done anything to prevent it."

A terribly tragic event. It hurt. It was a nightmare.

— Else Karin JakobsenReacting to the loss of the livestock.

The incident occurred in Våler, a municipality located just over 40 kilometers from the Swedish border. The owners were alerted to the tragedy by the owner of the pasture, who discovered the dead animals and immediately contacted the couple. A veterinarian was called to the scene following the discovery.

But it is nature's way. We had not been able to do anything to prevent it.

— Else Karin JakobsenReflecting on the uncontrollable nature of the event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.